Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
A scoping review was conducted to assess the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) like lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) in processed baby foods and infant formulas worldwide. The review synthesizes data from 75 studies that examined over 580 baby food items and 251 infant formula products, highlighting the presence of these toxic metals and the associated health risks. The review identified significant concerns about the contamination of certain food groups, particularly rice-based products, fish, and cereals, with many items exceeding international maximum levels (MLs) for heavy metals. This review provides critical information to support the development of regulatory guidelines and health standards for infant food safety.
Who is affected?
The findings primarily affect infants and young children who are at higher risk due to their developing organs and rapid growth. These groups are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of heavy metals, which can lead to developmental and cognitive impairments, as well as organ damage. Food manufacturers, especially those producing baby foods and infant formulas, are directly impacted as they must comply with emerging regulations regarding heavy metal contamination. Regulatory agencies must also consider these findings to update or establish new food safety standards to protect public health, particularly for infants under 36 months.
Most important findings
The scoping review revealed that over 60% of baby foods and infant formulas tested contained detectable levels of Pb, Cd, and As, with Hg found in over 30% of items. The highest concentrations of Pb were found in fish and rice mixes, while Cd concentrations were highest in cereals. As levels were particularly concerning in rice-based and fish-based products. The review also highlighted that many products exceeded the established international maximum levels for these metals, posing health risks, particularly to infants under 12 months consuming stage 1 and 2 formulas. Notably, 89% of rice mixes and 73% of baby foods exceeded the ML for arsenic, a major concern for infant health. The presence of Hg was less common but still significant in fish and fish mixes. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring these products and ensuring compliance with safety limits.
Key implications
The presence of heavy metals in baby foods and infant formulas poses a significant risk to infant health, particularly given their higher food intake relative to body weight and the developmental sensitivity of their organs. Food manufacturers must adopt stricter safety measures, such as improved sourcing and production processes, to reduce heavy metal contamination. Regulatory bodies should consider revising maximum allowable levels for metals in infant foods and formulas, particularly for rice, fish, and cereals. Additionally, more comprehensive and globally harmonized health risk assessments are needed to better understand the long-term effects of low-level heavy metal exposure in infants. These findings stress the urgent need for enhanced monitoring systems, stricter regulations, and the development of safer production methods to protect infants from toxic exposures.
Citation
Sonia Collado-López, María Fernanda Rodríguez Hernández, Rosa María Mariscal-Moreno, Martha María Téllez-Rojo, Larissa Betanzos-Robledo, Moisés Reyes Luna, Alejandra Cantoral-Preciado, Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Processed Baby Foods and Infant Formulas Worldwide: A Scoping Review, Nutrition Reviews, 2025;, nuaf138, https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuaf138
Lead is a neurotoxic heavy metal with no safe exposure level. It contaminates food, consumer goods and drinking water, causing cognitive deficits, birth defects and cardiovascular disease. HMTC’s rigorous lead testing applies ALARA principles to protect infants and consumers and to prepare brands for tightening regulations.
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
